“If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain;
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.”

- Emily Dickinson

I came across the above while browsing an initiative by students (many of which being my friends) of my university (Singapore Management University). And the effort and belief that each one of them have in the fact that they are making a difference and indeed they are is very inspiring. It once again reminds me of the TATA Jagriti Yatra initiative earlier in 2008 which again was to awaken the youth of India. For more information on the Yatra please visit: www.jagritiyatra.com

As a wise man says, India’s biggest resource is the fact that a great part of the population is made up of young individuals. However, the danger is the fact that today’s youth is more cynical than driven. It is amazing to see a group of driven individuals coming together to not just lament or sympathize or philosophize over the present state in the world and indeed in India but to take action and take responsibility for their actions – to be the change that they want to see in this world.

For those who don’t know about the initiative, Aasha is the Hindi word for ‘hope’, and The Aasha Build is our chance to contribute to the community. The Aasha Build aims to bring hope to the lives of several slum-dwelling families in India by helping them and at the same time, generating awareness among the Singapore youth about the poverty housing and income generation; and about how they can help.

For more details, kindly visit - http://theaashabuild.org/

On a concluding note, I wish the team all the very best for thoughtful and inspiring initiative. Am sure its going to be a great success and hope this is an initiative that is an ongoing one…